_IT’S THE LAW
Making Turns Properly On Red Traffic Light_
[Illustration: IT’S THE LAW]
Right turns permitted against a red light must always be made after
stopping and under certain conditions. It is timely to review these
legal provisions in view of the new California law, effective
September 7, governing the procedure of making left turns on a red
light from a one-way street into another one-way street.
To make a right turn on a red light, the driver should come to a halt
at the intersection as close as practicable to the right-hand curb.
yielding the right of way to pedestrians and other traffic proceeding
as directed by the stop-and-go signal. As soon as the way is clear,
then the right turn may be made.
However, the law permits local authorities to prohibit such right
turns on a red light in central business districts. Also, local
officials may prohibit right turns on a red light outside the downtown
area at any intersection under their jurisdiction if a sign is erected
at the corner notifying the motorist to that effect.
On making a left turn against a red light from a one-way street into
another one-way street, the driver should come to a halt at the
intersection as close as practicable to the left-hand curb. When
certain there will be no conflict with foot or vehicle traffic, the
driver may proceed to make the turn.
Important new motor vehicle laws were passed by the 1955 California
Legislature. Equally important changes and clarifications were made in
many old laws.
Knowledge of these new regulations and revisions of the Vehicle Code is
naturally vital to you as a motor vehicle owner and operator.
Several centuries ago a wise thinker, Thomas More, wrote:
“_All laws are promulgated for this end: that every man may know his
duty, and therefore the plainest and most obvious sense of the words is
that which must be put on them._”
That advice is heeded in this article interpreting for you the new
regulations and code revisions. The interpretations are actually
summaries stated in everyday, non-legal language to make for easy
reading and quick understanding of the essential elements.
September 7 is the effective date of these new laws, except for a few
urgency measures which were put into effect immediately upon approval by
the Governor.
The present California highway user tax rates will remain in effect
until December 31, 1959, thus assuring the continuation of the state’s
accelerated highway modernization program adopted in 1953. This new law
carried an urgency clause and became effective January 22.
It is now provided in the Vehicle Code as well as in the Health and
Safety Code that it is unlawful to dispose of any garbage, refuse or
litter upon any highway or its right of way.
Driving under the influence of liquor is a misdemeanor. The penalty for
a first conviction of such a misdemeanor shall be automatically
increased to that of a second conviction, if the driver already has been
previously convicted of a felony for driving while drunk.
Revocation of the driving privileges of juvenile offenders is mandatory
upon conviction of certain serious offenses. Revocation or suspension
shall also be imposed upon recommendation by the juvenile court judge
for convictions of less serious offenses. The length of the terms of
revocation or suspension shall be specified.
Local authorities, as well as the State Department of Public Works, may
restrict speed to 25 miles per hour because of snow conditions. Local
authorities may also determine the maximum speed allowable on any bridge
or structure, or in any tube or tunnel, constitutes part of a highway.
The speed limit on highways where persons are at work shall be a prima
facie limit of 25 miles per hour instead of a fixed limit of 25 miles
per hour.
The speed limit for heavy trucks and combinations is increased from 40
to 45 miles per hour.
The Vehicle Code provides that the registered owner of a motor vehicle
is responsible for any parking violation involving the vehicle. That
presumption, however, does not mean that the registered owner is further
presumed to have violated any other provision of the law.
To pass a motor vehicle going less than 20 miles an hour on a grade, an
overtaking vehicle must go at least 10 miles an hour faster. In
addition, it must complete the passing movement within a quarter-mile
distance.
Heavy trucks shall use only the lane to the immediate left of the
right-hand lane when passing another vehicle on freeways and
multiple-lane highways. Where passing on the right is permitted, trucks
may do so.
A peace officer may remove an illegally parked motor vehicle to a garage
or other place of safety.
U-turns are prohibited on the approaches to or in front of any fire
station.
School Safety Patrol members may be stationed at intersections near as
well as adjacent to a school. The actual presence of a supervisory
school employee is not necessary at a street crossing where a patrol is
maintained.
Local authorities are authorized to close certain streets for use by
colleges as well as high schools in giving automobile driving
instructions.
School districts, under the Education Code, are allowed to conduct
driver training classes on Saturdays.
It is unlawful to refuse to obey the directions of a fireman, whether a
police officer is present or not, when he is protecting fire-fighting
personnel and equipment.
Stops at an arterial stop sign are to be made at the limit line, if
marked, even though there may be a crosswalk.
Emergency vehicles under certain conditions are permitted to go in a
direction opposed to moving traffic on a one-way street or roadway.
Authorities may erect traffic control devices at the intersection of a
highway and a private road or driveway if traffic conditions warrant.
License plates shall be mounted on a motor vehicle not less than 12
inches or more than 60 inches from the ground. They are also not to be
covered with any material which decreases or impairs their legibility.
Registration and vehicle license fee reciprocity is granted to motor
vehicles registered in other states pending the establishment of a
California Reciprocity Commission. To prevent needless confusion and
disruption in the interstate movement of vehicles and trade, this law
carried an urgency clause and became effective April 14.
The program of quarterly registration of commercial vehicles is
continued indefinitely.
Additional summaries of new motor vehicle laws and revisions of the
Vehicle Code will be published in the next issue of Motorland.